A Detroit mom learned the hard way that making a sandwich during a virtual court appearance doesn’t sit well with judges, as she was promptly removed from her Zoom hearing while preparing her peanut butter and jelly lunch.
At a Glance
- Asja Outerbridge was removed from a Zoom court hearing by Judge Sean Perkins after she began making a peanut butter sandwich during the session
- Outerbridge was attending the hearing for a misdemeanor charge related to having an open alcohol container as a passenger in a car
- She explained she was multitasking because her 3-year-old daughter was sick
- Outerbridge later admitted her mistake and apologized, acknowledging she should have been better prepared
- The incident highlights the importance of maintaining proper decorum in virtual court environments
Virtual Court Decorum Violated
The virtual courtroom of Detroit’s 36th District Court became an unexpected scene of impropriety when Asja Outerbridge logged in late for her hearing and began preparing a peanut butter sandwich on camera. Judge Sean Perkins was visibly displeased by the casual approach to court proceedings, promptly removing Outerbridge from the Zoom call. The hearing, which was being livestreamed on YouTube as part of the court’s standard procedure, was for a misdemeanor charge related to having an open alcohol container while being a passenger in a vehicle.
Judge Perkins emphasized the importance of treating virtual court with the same seriousness and respect as in-person proceedings. His reaction underscores a growing concern among legal professionals about maintaining appropriate standards of conduct as courts continue to leverage digital platforms. The incident serves as a reminder that despite the comfort of attending from home, virtual court appearances demand the same level of decorum and preparation as traditional courtrooms.
A Mother’s Explanation
Outerbridge, who works as a personal stylist, later explained the circumstances that led to her unfortunate court appearance. She revealed she had been waiting in the Zoom waiting room for hours before being admitted to the hearing. With a sick 3-year-old daughter to care for, Outerbridge found herself attempting to multitask during what became a very public moment of poor judgment. The demands of single parenthood collided with the formal requirements of court procedure in a way that has now been viewed by millions online.
“It was just a lot going on, I was having a mommy day. I click on the video and I see the judge that I had, and I see my robe and some peanut butter, and I say ‘oh my God!”, said Asja Outerbridge.
Outerbridge discovered the clip had gone viral after it was posted by Metro Detroit News on Instagram. The video shows her in a casual bathrobe making her sandwich, completely unaware of how inappropriate her actions appeared in the formal setting of a court proceeding. Despite her challenging circumstances as a single mother caring for a sick child, the expectations of court decorum remained unchanged, highlighting the sometimes difficult balance between personal responsibilities and legal obligations.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
In the aftermath of the incident, Outerbridge has expressed genuine remorse for her actions. She acknowledged that despite the virtual format, she should have been better prepared and appropriately dressed for her court appearance. As a personal stylist who understands the importance of presentation, she recognized the irony of her situation and has accepted responsibility for her lapse in judgment. Outerbridge plans to use this experience to educate others about appropriate court behavior, regardless of the platform.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the evolution of courtroom etiquette in the digital age. While virtual courts provide convenience and accessibility, they do not diminish the seriousness of legal proceedings or the respect due to the judicial system. As virtual hearings continue to be a part of our legal landscape, this case reminds us all that proper preparation, appropriate attire, and respectful behavior remain essential elements of court participation, whether from a courtroom or our living rooms.
